Stratos has completed replacement of its AmosConnect platform with ultra-modern hardware technology. It expects to begin operation later this month. Upgrading to AmosConnect 8.0 will be easy for thousands of vessels that use AmosConnect for their daily communications. New vessel-side software is in development stage.

The launch of the next generation AmosConnect is aimed at several usages. With AmosConnect 8.0, the company is expanding its services delivery. The new service would include Web acceleration, file transfer protocol (FTP) acceleration, extended remote configuration, cost allocation, and extended message filtering in addition to its current features of email messaging, automatic file transfer, and data synchronization helping to ensure streamlined operations, cost efficiency and optimization of available bandwidth.

AmosConnect from Stratos service integrates vessel and shore-based office applications. It is an easy-to-use, sophisticated service that integrates email, fax, telex, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) text, interoffice communication, and access for mobile personnel into a single messaging system.

“AmosConnect 8.0 brings AmosConnect into the broadband era,” said Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm, in a statement. “Its modular, flexible design ensures it will meet both present and future maritime application requirements. It is the latest example of our ongoing efforts to improve crew welfare and business efficiency for ship managers and ship owners.”

“This service upgrade demonstrates our commitment to maximize the effectiveness of broadband communications at sea via FleetBroadband, Iridium OpenPort and maritime VSAT solutions, on land via BGAN and in the air via SwiftBroadband,” Parm added.

Around 20,000 AmosConnect licenses have been issued and more than 200,000 officers and crewmembers use the service. Stratos is the largest supplier of mobile satellite services to the maritime industry, with communications to more than 40,000 maritime terminals worldwide, Stratos said in a media statement.

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Rajani Baburajan is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Rajani's articles, please visit her columnist page.